NFL: Johnson Says Fertility Treatment Led To Failed Drug Test

Tennessee Titans cornerback Nazeeh Johnson has attributed his six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy to fertility medication he was taking, revealing that he and his wife recently suffered a miscarriage.

The two-time Super Bowl champion, who joined the Titans in July after spending his first three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, announced the suspension on social media, stating he was unaware that his prescribed fertility treatment contained a banned substance.

“I was not aware that there was a substance in the medication that was on the banned list and I tested positive for a PED,” Johnson wrote on X.

“Lesson to all NFL players and new players coming into the league: do not put anything in your body without following the process and getting approval beforehand.”
The 28-year-old defensive back disclosed that he had been told by doctors that he was infertile, prompting him and his wife to undergo fertility treatment. He added that the couple had lost their baby a few weeks ago, describing the period as “an incredibly difficult time” for his family.

“Fortunately, we have nine good eggs left, so we’re holding on to hope that we’ll be able to grow our family,” Johnson said.

Johnson was drafted by the Chiefs in 2022 and played a role in their back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 2023 and 2024 before signing with Tennessee as a free agent in July. The suspension, which begins on

August 30, will sideline him for the first six regular-season games without pay.

He remains eligible to participate in all preseason activities, including games, prior to the start of his ban. The Titans open their regular-season campaign on September 13, and Johnson will be eligible for reinstatement on October 19.

The NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy strictly prohibits players from using any banned compounds without prior approval through the league’s therapeutic use exemption process. Johnson’s public explanation serves as a cautionary tale for players, urging them to seek clearance before taking any medication.